Assistant Director-Financial Aid

Job Summary: The Assistant Director-Financial Aid provides leadership and oversight for designated financial aid compliance functions and specialized federal, state, and institutional aid programs, ensuring assigned processes are administered accurately, consistently, and in compliance with applicable regulatory and institutional requirements. Serving as the primary compliance resource and process owner for areas such as federal verification, resolution of conflicting information, Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4), California state financial aid programs, and other assigned compliance activities, the position establishes and maintains procedures, internal controls, documentation standards, and quality assurance processes to mitigate compliance risk and support operational effectiveness. The Assistant Director oversees the administration of assigned state, federal, and institutional aid programs, including eligibility review, certification, disbursement, reconciliation, reporting, and regulatory compliance; coordinates audit, program review, and compliance review activities; and leads the development and maintenance of departmental policies, procedures, and operational guidance. The position supervises Student Financial Services Counselors, may serve as the department's second-in-command, and collaborates with campus partners to support student enrollment, retention, and completion goals through effective financial aid administration, customer service, and regulatory compliance. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree required; preferably in computer information systems, business, or related field. Minimum three years of financial aid experience with increasing responsibility required.
Knowledge and Skills: Able to write legibly; speak and read in English with professional quality; use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position; trouble shoot and operate basic office equipment necessary to the position. Essential Interpersonal Skills: Work with team to accomplish specific goals. Able to communicate in English by phone, in writing, and in-person with students and/or parents with professionalism, ease, and confidentiality.  Able to convince others to cooperate/follow a course of action.  Able to relate positively, effectively and professionally with others; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure. Able to accept direction. Essential Mental Abilities: Able to think quickly and understand basic mathematics and accounting principles and apply them to manipulate and analyze data.  Able to interpret data, judge and act on analysis of data, develop and follow-up on plans, analyze and solve specific problems.  Able to follow complex instructions and work independently without direct supervision.  Able to communicate clearly in English, in person, in writing, and on the telephone. Able to proofread documents for content and accuracy. Able to interact positively with other staff members by maintaining a team player attitude. Essential Sensory Abilities: Able to communicate on the phone while working in a congested and noisy environment. Able to hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone. Able to see adequately to read computer screens and written documents necessary to the position.

Licensures and Certifications: None.